BOYDS, Md. — Megan Rapinoe was stymied in a bid for a second national anthem protest Wednesday night when a rival National Women’s Soccer League team moved up the pregame ceremonies.

“We decided to play the anthem in our stadium ahead of schedule rather than subject our fans and friends to the disrespect we feel such an act would represent,” the Washington Spirit said in a statement.

Rapinoe, a US national team member who plays for the Seattle Reign, and members of both teams warmed up for about 25 minutes following a rain delay. They then left the field before the anthem and returned shortly after for the start of the game.

She was not too pleased with the team’s move.

“To be honest I didn’t hear [the anthem] and I wasn’t exactly sure why it wasn’t played but [expletive] unbelievable,” Rapinoe told reporters when asked about her reaction after the anthem’s timing after her team’s 2-1 loss. “Saddened by it. I think that it’s pretty clear what the message is that I’m trying to bring to light when I knelt in Chicago and what I’ve continued trying to talk about the last few days and what I intend to talk about and clearly with [Spirit owner Bill Lynch’s] actions, I think that that’s a necessary conversation.”

Megan Rapinoe stood for for the national anthem in 2015 before the Seattle Reign played the Portland Thorns.AP

On Sunday before the Seattle Reign’s game in Chicago, Rapinoe knelt during the national anthem “in a little nod” to Colin Kaepernick — the San Francisco quarterback whose refusal to stand for the anthem to protest racial injustice and minority oppression came to public notice when he remained seated on the bench before a preseason game against Green Bay.

“We understand this may be seen as an extraordinary step, but believe it was the best option to avoid taking focus away from the game on such an important night for our franchise,” the Spirit said in the statement, which attributed the decision to team ownership. “While we respect every individual’s right to express themselves, and believe Ms. Rapinoe to be an amazing individual with a huge heart; we respectfully disagree with her method of hijacking our organization’s event to draw attention to what is ultimately a personal — albeit worthy — cause.”

Rapinoe also ripped the Spirit’s statement, which used the word “hijack” multiple times so close to the anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks.

Megan Rapinoe celebrates the United States’ World Cup victory over Japan in 2015.AP

“I think it was incredibly distasteful to say that I — four days before one of the worst tragedies we’ve had in our country — to say that I hijacked this event … it’s just really disappointing and disrespectful in my opinion,” she said. “You talk about me disrespecting the flag, he didn’t even give people a chance, give both teams a chance to even stand in front of it and show their respect. It’s unbelievable.”

Earlier Wednesday, the Reign said they are standing by Rapinoe. In a statement, the team said it recognizes Rapinoe’s action “was offensive to some and a source of inspiration to others.”

“We will continue to encourage all Reign FC players to participate in the pre-match ceremony, which honors those who have served and made sacrifices on our behalf,” the Reign said. “We will also continue to allow players to participate in the pre-match ceremony in a manner consistent with their personal beliefs, reflecting our respect for the rights earned and defended by those fighting for our nation.”

The 31-year-old Rapinoe helped the US win the World Cup last year and played in the Rio Olympics.